| Session Details | |
| Section | SS - Special Sessions |
| Session Title | Interdisciplinary suduction zone research initiatives |
| Main Convener | Dr. Gerald Bawden (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States) |
| Co-convener(s) | Dr. Jack A. Kaye (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States) |
| Session Description | The Pacific Ring of Fire is rimmed by subduction zones that are driven by plate tectonic process that generates the largest earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis on the planet. Most of these devastating events are poorly forecast, or occur with no apparent warning at all. The societal relevance and economic impact of subduction earthquakes and explosive volcanic eruptions, and their associated tsunami and landslide susceptibilities, have motivated a number of community efforts, including a number of cross-disciplinary initiatives. Not only have new multi-disciplinary approaches been developed through these initiatives, but a vibrant, diverse, and international community of researchers has grown and been supported. This session will focus on several interdisciplinary suduction zone research initiatives that will enable new and innovative research in subduction zone environments that will not only advance our understanding of the fundamental process (i.e. oceanic, ecosystem, seismic, volcanic, hydrologic, tectonophysics) but will directly benefit society with improved hazard early warning capabilities (i.e. tsunami early warning, volcanic ash/ aviation safety) and will advance our ability to forecast earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and volcanic eruptions. |